The Scottish Unitarian Fellowship

SERVING PEOPLE OF THE NEW AGE

Dr Donald Boyd of Inverness

MINISTER'S LETTER 

Dear Friends, 

As S.U.F. members it is not often that we get the chance to meet with fellow Unitarians.This year however, we have two opportunities to do just that!

Between the 13th and 16th April the General Assembly Annual Meetings are to be held in Edinburgh. Unitarians from all over the world will join together for business, workshops and fun.

Then on the 7th/8th June the Scottish Churches House in Dunblane will be the venue for the S.U.A. Annual Meeting.

I will be attending   both  occasions   and   would   enjoy   having the opportunity to meet fellow S.U.F. members there. It would be good to have an S.U.F. presence at such a prestigious event as the G.A. Meeting which isn't often held in Scotland and in Dunblane where the G.A. President will be in attendance. 

With all Best Wishes

Rev.Anne Wicker

As I write the snow and frost has just disappeared! I used to enjoy the wintertime with its snow to allow me to sledge down the local field ... but now I prefer the summer with its warm, sunny weather ... at least that's what I hope this summer will turn out to be! But I must admit the snowflake is a lovely piece of nature .... 

A THE JOY OF CREATION

We give you thanks, 0 worldly Nature,
For the beauty of earth and sea;
For the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers;
For the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers.

We praise you for these good gifts,
And pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity.
Grant that we may grow in our grateful enjoyment
of your abundant creation;
To the honour and glory of Nature, now and for ever. 

Unfortunately, Dundee just like the rest of the United Kingdom, is festooned with litter of every description. I have brought this matter to the attention of all the different authorities in Dundee, including our M.S.P., but this has made no difference! Generally speaking, the authorities just pass the blame on to one another. But, of course, the real matter of concern is that most folk of today have no respect for the environment within which they live. Maybe each one of us can help to correct this lack of concern by bringing it to the attention of all our friends and neighbours?

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

A candle light is a protest at midnight.  It is non-conformist.  It says to the darkness,
"I BEG TO DIFFER".

Samuel Rayan. India CWM

It has been proposed that the Rev. Anne Wicker should act as our representative at the Scottish Unitarian Association Executive Meetings. She has agreed to do this, but we need your support. If you disagree please let me know by return.

ANNUAL REPORT - 2002

This year has been a quite stressful year for me with the shortage of funds meaning that we cannot afford to advertise in the 'Scots Magazine' as we used to, and being retired myself, my continuing support of the S.U.F. finances is becoming less available. Unfortunately, the S.U.F. has no access to the Scottish legacy funds such as the Speed Bequest or the McQuaker Bequest which were both left to Scottish Unitarians to give financial help. Furthermore, the ministers who marry non-church folk never seem to even mention the existence of the S.U.F., as a non-church Organisation. 

During the year we lost one or two members who took exception to the adversity practised by some Scottish Unitarians, but gained a few members amongst whom one commented: "It is obvious that you are doing a truly wonderful work in spite of the numerous constraints and I thank God for that. It is indeed to the Glory of God and you must derive unquantifiable joy by whatever progress you make as you struggle to meet the challenges that each day brings."

I have taken over the job as Acting Treasurer of the S.U.F., as Mrs Hogg who served us so well for the first few years,  is now feeling unable to continue. I haven't been able to find a local member who will be able to take over that job, but I'm quite happy to continue until someone can be found.

Having visited a great number and variety of churches (including Unitarian) throughout the land, including England, I have found almost without exception that their future is very uncertain. It seems quite obvious that speaking very generally, congregations are growing older in age and smaller in number. It is no wonder that churches of just about every denomination are closing down. For example, the Baptist Church at the top of our road, which used to be very strongly supported, ended up with just 12 members who couldn't possibly maintain the large building which now stands empty and unused! Which is exactly why I describe our Fellowship as the 'Church without Walls' and 'The Church for the 21st.Century'.

The Fellowship thanks the S.U.A. for reimbursing our postal costs, which is indeed a very welcome assistance to our very being. So I end this report with Good Wishes to every Scottish Unitarian, whether church member or not, and hope and trust that we will be able to work together for the bringing of Unitarian ideas to each and every part of our Scottish Nation.

Signed: Colin  Wicker - Secretary / Correspondent

   Anne Wicker - Minister